Of Secrets and Lies
Chapter 25
Free like the Wind
The days passed in Kyoto swiftly as spring entered summer bringing with it bright sunshine and heated breezes. The warm winds caused every-ones hair to dance and flutter around their shoulders bringing relief to those stricken with sunstroke or with exceptionally delicate skin. Away from the buzz and crowds of the city the Presidents Manor stood on a hill over looking it all like a hawk might overlook a nest of rats. Manor was not an accurate term to describe it, a palace would be more correct. Massive stonewalls guarded the perimeter and armed guards stood along the walls in the grounds. The house itself was one of the largest and most luxurious of its kind with ornate windows and strong marble pillars.
Nobody quite knew all the secrets of this house except perhaps the few gifted ones who earned high favour with President Shishio. Mazes of underground corridors and paths leading right down to the city itself where perfect for gathering information. Labyrinths and mazes of halls that twisted and turned would confuse anyone. All of it made it the perfect house for the dictator of Japan. Not a breeze penetrated the underground mazes making it uncomfortably hot, already Seta Soijiro could feel a few beads of sweat drip down the back of his neck. It didn't irritate him as such but he would admit it was a little uncomfortable.
He navigated his way with perfect ease. Where others might have found themselves lost completely with endless walls of red and gold he knew with precision exactly where he was going. It had always amused him though to find the odd messenger lost and confused with not idea of where he was. A lot of things sometimes entertained Soijiro. Emotions of humour he could still feel. Still he hoped that the box of cakes he was carrying had not melted. Sometimes it was so hard to find a good bakery and Yumi-san had very particular tastes.
"Seta-sama," Bowed one of the guards armed heavily with machine guns and such as they stood outside a green shoji door. Sojiro smiled cheerfully knowing how it made them feel uneasy. It was sort of funny to watch them squirm, really they were at least ten years older than he. How funny that grown men should quiver at the smile of a twenty-year-old boy. Walking through the Shoji screen he blinked slightly as he entered a bright sunny courtyard enclosed. Steam rose from the hot springs clouding his vision making everything foggy and murky.
"Sojiro. This had better be good," Came a gruff voice. Sojiro bowed and kept his smile not feeling startled in the slightest by the firm voice. He'd grown accustomed to such greetings and he walked through the thick vapour of steam feeling the heat soak him through. Once his eyes had adjusted he could make out his master sitting in one of the hot springs. Next to him kneeling at his side out of the boiling water was the beautiful Yumi-san whose long dark hair cascaded down her back as she was dressed in a dark green swimming costume with a deep red shawl.
"Hello Shishio-sama," Said Sojiro brightly before turning his attention towards Yumi who smiled slightly as a greeting, "Yumi-sama. I have those cakes you asked for." Said Sojiro presenting the box towards the leading lady of Japan whose seductive lips turned into a smile as she accepted them. Sojiro then stood to address his master whose features where hidden by the heavy fogs of steam. Meanwhile Yumi opened the box of cakes.
"Arigatou boy," She said examining them "Is that pink icing on one?"
"Oh? Hai, I thought it would look more colourful," Smiled Sojiro.
"Sojiro, please tell me you didn't come here to waste my time talking about cakes?" Snapped Shishio. Sojiro shook his head, that was Shishio-sama though, Sojiro did not mind as he flashed a grin bowing again respectfully although all gestures were quite hollow. He supposed he'd better get around to the real reason he was there.
"Apologises, Shishio-sama. Our sources where unable to tell us of Hitokiri Battousai's current location although it is apparent that Kamiya-san is alive and has made a full recovery." Reported Sojiro happily as though such news was merely trivial. He was also willing to bet Shishio was smirking right now. Really Sojiro himself had not expected idiots like Gohei or Kilhei to succeed but it had been a necessary operation.
"What of the girls family? Do they know they're being watched and do they believe that she's dead?" Asked Shishio Makoto. Sojiro smiled again before delivering the facts. He knew it sometimes annoyed Yumi that Sojiro could retell facts and details of both defeat and success with the same level of calmness. It was quite amusing to watch her sometimes, what was even more amusing though were the fights between her and Kamatari.
"Oh, they know that they are being watched, in fact they've managed to block some of our communications already but then that's not surprising considering who they used to be. As to if they believe that Kamiya-san is dead I think there's mixed feelings. Kamiya Koshijiro is quite certain his daughter is deceased and so is the one named Sagara Sanosuke...the only one who seems a bit suspicious is Kamiya Megumi and her extended relations," Said Sojiro, cheerfully. Shishio gave a rough sigh. Yumi looked quite concerned though as her eyes flashed.
"Blocked communications? Is that not a problem?" Said Yumi with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity written in her face.
"Relax Yumi, I hadn't really expected anything less of them...as to if they believe that Kamiya Kaoru is dead it makes no difference. They cannot voice their opinion to the public eye and that's really where we need them. All of this has proved that Hitokiri Battousai is going weak...letting his woman get at risk and forming attachments to those much weaker than he..." Assured Shishio with a bite of impatience to his voice. Sojiro nodded...it was quite obvious that Hitokiri Battousai was shipping the loosing time...but at the same time in the depths of Seta Sojiro's mind he felt curious. Why did he feel the need to protect the weak?
He shook his head brushing such thoughts and emotions aside as he spoke once more, "Undoubtedly Kamiya-san knows the risk her family is in now. Do you think she'll try to warn them?"
"Perhaps but even if she does it will be only bringing the battle forward. I do intend to fight Hitokiri Battousai and if it were not for the delay in our plans I would do so right now," Said Shishio calmly, "However we must wait for now. Do you think our spy will be able to locate his current dwelling any time soon?"
"I'm afraid not, even they aren't allowed that sort of information," Said Sojiro referring to the spy.
"A pity, you may go now Sojiro and send down Hoji on your way up." Said Shishio waving a hand. Sojiro nodded bidding Yumi and Shishio a good day before leaving the steamy, sweaty courtyard. Walking back along the corridors his mind drifted. The spy they had, had not failed them yet in passing along useful information such as Kamiya Kaoru's recovery or the feelings that where apparent between her and the Hitokiri of the Ishin. That was not what was bothering Sojiro. He couldn't quite get his mind around the fact that Hitokiri Battousai was going so out of his way to protect people...somebody who was quite obviously very strong was protecting the weak.
Sojiro was not supposed to feel emotions like sorrow, rage or annoyance. He'd dispersed of them so long and that was one of the reasons why people found him so alarming. He didn't view people as people, all of them were just toys. Like ants in an anthill. To him they were like an interesting science project. They amused him and even provoked him to feel curious at their strange behaviour. He could talk to them as if they were friends and then kill them a moment later without feeling any remorse, why should he? If you where strong you lived. If you where weak you died. That was the instinct of animals was it not? The weak runts of the pack died, the strong ones survived...and all humans were after-all was animals.
Yet at that moment Sojiro felt unsettled. Hitokiri Battousai had previously made him curious. His sword techniques where quite amazing but that was not it. Sojiro knew he could defeat him in a battle quite easily because Sojiro was strong. The reason the Hitokiri had fascinated him was because he was instant on protecting the weak...such a notion was something Sojiro could not understand and that had made him more curious...which was why he had wanted to meet Kamiya Kaoru. The girl on all accounts had been nice enough, naive but still very polite...she had been like an interesting ant and on her own level she was obviously quite strong, strong enough to dispose of Kilhei and incapacitate Gohei...but still she was weak...or was she?
That had puzzled him further. He found himself wanting to learn more about the people Battousai had wanted to protect. He knew everything about each of them and their backgrounds. Each of them where strong in their own fields but still weak...why did he want to protect them? Out of love perhaps? He knew little of love...on some level it must exist between Yumi-sama and Shishio-sama but that was a different sort of love. More questions and riddles had appeared the more Sojiro had came to know. Curiosity in it's own right was fine but Sojiro was beginning to feel something that he shouldn't be feeling.
Annoyed.
Kamiya Kaoru sat quietly by the edge of the pool.
She didn't know the time or how long she had been sitting there. She supposed it must have been a while, or anyway it felt like a while. The morning air was cool and fresh brushing into her face causing her hair to flutter in the breeze. The morning of the first of June had dawned brightly with a warm sun filling the clear blue sky above. A muggy sort of heat filled the air and shreds of golden mist could be seen swirling around her. Later, perhaps it would evaporate but for now Kaoru enjoyed the peace, hearing the birds chirp and watching them fly in the air over head.
A yawn threatened to escape her mouth that she had clenched shut. When she had awoke and came outside to escape the baking heat of the house the sun had already risen but the sky was still tinged with red in some areas. If she had to hazard a guess she'd say it was about six in the morning. Normally she would never be up so early but now she was she felt a little glad feeling her feet splash in the cold water of the swimming pool watching the patterns in created. Nightmares where becoming a common feature now but she could always distract herself from them during daylight hours. Yesterday's celebrations of the examination results had been a pleasant affair but she still couldn't stop herself from wondering about her family. They where always on her mind, the first thing she thought of in the morning and the last before she went to sleep.
'I wonder, do they think of me so often?' She knew they did. It was slightly comforting to think, that so many people cared about her. Before she used to think that nobody would even notice if she disappeared but she knew now they did and she felt grateful. Still, anxiety was another familiar friend that was hard to shake. Although Kenshin had reassured her that they where in no immediate danger she still felt concerned. It didn't help that she'd spent most of last night laying awake expecting a bomb to go off because she'd ripped an assassination assignment into pieces...but still no word. Surely they'd notice if their chief assassin never turned up? The question made her heart pound because she knew eventually her actions where going to cause some sort of repercussion.
'It's funny...only twenty-two days until I turn eighteen. I wonder how I will celebrate my birthday this year? Yet...yet it's only four days until the anniversary of Okaa-sans death. Normally I'd visit her grave but that probably won't be possible,' Kaoru shook her head watching her reflection mirror her actions. Asking to visit her mother's grave was completely out of the question. Yawning she rubbed her eyes smiling slightly as a mother sparrow tried to teach her chicks how to fly. They where so cute and fluffy!
"Kaoru-dono?"
Kaoru jumped slightly turning around to see Kenshin approach her. She blew a few strands of hair out of her face feeling slightly annoyed. After knowing him for nearly ten months she though she would at least be able to keep her composure...but it was so irritating when he snuck up on her like that! Staring at him, it was quite clear he was just out of bed. His red hair was loose and tousled while his blue sleeping yukata was slightly askew.
"Don't do that to me Kenshin! I nearly fell in the pool!" Snapped Kaoru feeling her heart beat calm. Kenshin smiled apologetically as he sat down next to her, his own feet dangling over the edge with his toes skimming the water. Kaoru smiled but inwardly was beginning to beat herself around the head with a bokken. He was going to ask questions beginning with why she was out at six in the morning sitting near the swimming pool. As if yesterday wasn't bad enough, cursing her own stupidity she sighed.
"How is your ankle?" Asked Kenshin glancing at the ugly scar that was visible on Kaoru's exposed ankle. Kaoru flexed it experimentally. It had twinge a few times during the night and it was quite stiff but it wasn't agonising or particularly sore. All in all it felt quite normal, Kaoru was even growing attached to her first war wound but it still surprised her slightly, every time she glanced down it was there.
"It's a little stiff but apart from that its fine," Said Kaoru honestly before shooting him a suspicious side glance, "Anyway what are you doing up so early? I thought you would still be in bed." Kenshin had the decency to look a bit sheepish. He pointed at the mother sparrow and her chick.
"The birds woke me up Kaoru-dono," He said innocently. Kaoru snorted and rolled her eyes. He was checking up on her...how in the world had he noticed she was missing from her bedroom? Either he was a complete pervert or he was an extremely light sleeper or he was telling the truth, "Doctor Gensai said swimming should help ease the stiffness," Added Kenshin drawing the subject back towards her ankle.
Kaoru felt herself turn red and she promptly looked away. Truthfully her ankle and nightmares had not been the only thing to wake her up that morning. She'd been expecting it for a few days now since it was slightly late and her stomach had already erupted in pain. How was she going to tell him that swimming was not something she would be able to do at the moment? Finally she cleared her throat ready again to confess. Quite honestly she was going to have to tell him anyway since she would once again require his help.
"Kenshin...um...I can't really go swimming at the moment," Said Kaoru in a small voice feeling queasy, "Uh...which reminds me, I'm going to need you to go get me some...things." This was it, Kaoru wished she could dive into the pool and completely drown herself. Glancing upwards Kenshin was wearing an expression appropriate for someone who had been clubbed over the head. His eyes where swirly and distant and his mouth was hanging open.
"O-Oro..." He mumbled faintly, the colour rapidly rising in his cheeks," Um...Sessha understands Kaoru-dono...you don't have to be embarrassed, it's completely natural." Kaoru felt slightly angry at this remark. Natural? It certainly didn't feel bloody natural! It felt painful, yucky and made her feel like a barge balloon. Natural? To feel like your stomach is trying to eat itself and to feel completely depressed and then a few hours later fine? 'Men get it so easy! Do they have to give birth? No! Do they have to suffer excruciating pains in their stomachs once a month? Nope...damn them!
"Men...are so lucky," Murmured Kaoru kicking her feet in the water. Beside her Kenshin let out another Oro of confusion. Kaoru looked up and glared slightly, "You don't realise how lucky you are. You don't have to give birth, you don't have to experience pain every month, you don't have to face sexism and you don't have to have sick perverts trying to feel you up in the streets." Her tone wasn't angry or outraged. She stated each comment as if it were a fact. Kenshin's eyes widened before they narrowed slightly.
"Kaoru-dono...if you don't mind my asking, has anyone ever tried to treat you inappropriately?" Asked Kenshin cautiously. Kaoru felt her mouth hang open. He was concerned...about that? Obviously it was sort of like how Sanosuke had reacted when that drunk guy had tried to hit on her. The result was the drunk being punched into the wall...Kaoru felt both flattered and slightly curious.
"Um...only a few times but the good thing about having Sanosuke around is that people tend to avoid you. Besides I can look after myself! If anyone tried to I'd batter them senseless," This at least seemed to reassure Kenshin who instantly relaxed before chuckling.
"You are probably right Kaoru-dono, I have always admired woman for their strength. I think that it's the truest strength a human can have. Anyway what would you like for breakfast? I was thinking of making some pancakes de-gozaru," Said Kenshin lightly. Kaoru nodded and smiled gratefully standing to her feet. Kenshin swiftly did likewise. For some reason, perhaps due to hormones, Kaoru felt quite fond of him. At least in that moment she did not have to feel guilty.
"Pancakes would be nice..."
"Okami-dono, asked me to bring these for you as well," Added Kenshin emptying the shopping bags. His visit to the Ishin headquarters had been brief but it had left him feeling uneasy. Katsura-sama had been quite unusual towards him but his proposal now was nothing short of catastrophic. Added to the fact that he had not been called up for any assignments for over a week, it was starting to make him a bit suspicious. Obviously his master's suggestion was quite out of the question but still he found himself being tempted by the notion.
"Oh, that was nice of her," Said Kaoru picking up the packet of Chocolate raisins that had been set aside on the kitchen counter. Kenshin nodded absent-mindedly as he placed a few tins of soup in the cupboard. It wasn't that he wouldn't like to take Kaoru out but it was too risky. He knew how to be unnoticed and how to blend in with the crowd but Kaoru...well it wasn't so much that he didn't trust her...but so many things could go wrong and being reasonable the minuses far outweighed the positives.
"Kenshin?"
Kenshin jerked his head and banged it painfully on the cupboard door. Wincing he rubbed the newly formed bruise on the back of his head as he shut the door forcefully. He looked around to see Kaoru peering at him with mild interest as she opened up the bag of chocolate raisins. It was only gone ten o'clock in the morning, Kenshin would never understand how women could just consume chocolate when handed to them, and anyway he was under the impression that she had something to ask him, "Hai Kaoru-dono?"
"Are you alright? It's just I've been trying to talk to you for the past five minutes but you keep spacing out," Said Kaoru accusingly popping a chocolate treat into her mouth. Kenshin mentally kicked himself, he hadn't even realised that Kaoru had been talking and now he looked like an idiot. He stared at her doubtfully, should he tell her the truth and let her make her own mind up? 'This one is uncertain, so many things could go wrong...' Finally he sighed placing down the bag of carrots that was in his hands.
"Kaoru-dono, Sessha was talking to Katsura-sama earlier and he put forward a proposal for us de-gozaru," Said Kenshin. Kaoru blinked in surprise and swallowed her raisin staring at Kenshin like he'd grown an extra head. Blue eyes seemed to widen in surprise before narrowing. He knew her opinion of his employer was not favourable so she was probably suspicious.
"Proposal?"
"Hai," Continued Kenshin, "He asked me if you were enjoying the garden and I said you were, then he suggested that maybe we could both go into Aizu together provided we disguise ourselves and keep quiet. At first I was opposed to the idea encase something went wrong but I think it's your decision as well as mine," Kaoru gasped slightly before lowering her head to stare at the kitchen counter. Kenshin didn't blame her for being surprised; the very idea of Katsura proposing something so risky was crazy. It also made him suspicious about his motives.
"That's something I was curious about...I mean your probably number one on Japan's most wanted list...how is it you can just stroll around grocery shops?" Asked Kaoru fascinated. Kenshin smiled slightly before walking around the kitchen units towards the door leading into the hall. He gestured for Kaoru to follow, which she did, both of them entered the bathroom and Kenshin flipped on the light opened the cupboard where he stored his cosmetics. Inside he took out three objects. One was a tube of foundation to cover up his scar and the other was...
"Hair dye?" Said Kaoru in shock as her eyebrows where lost in her hairline. Kenshin felt colour rise to his cheeks as he held up the packet of temporary black hair dye. It was pain having to dye his hair every time he wanted to go out, what was even worse was scrubbing his hair raw to get the stuff out again. Kaoru's eyes widened before she began laughing. He pouted as she doubled over with tears in her eyes, "That's it? A little foundation and hair dye? I mean don't people recognise your face?"
Kenshin grudgingly held up the pair of glasses. Kaoru howled with laughter.
"It's not funny I'll have you know!" Protested Kenshin feeling his face burn. His reputation lay in tatters at his ankles and already the voice of his shishou was booming in his ears. He thanked all the Kami's that his Shishou could not see him now. That sort of humiliation might just damage him for life although Kaoru's reaction was not much better. 'It's a good job I'm not showing her the outfit...' Showing her the school outfit to match it would not be a good idea. Finally once Kaoru had regained her composure Kenshin spoke again, "I get changed at the headquarters...then I go out. Nobody really notices me much, they just think I'm another schoolboy."
"But that's it? I was expecting some huge undercover operation! You make it sound easy," Exclaimed Kaoru. Kenshin shook his head; it was far from easy to dye his hair once a week. Kaoru then sobered up and looked quizzically at the dye, "Wouldn't people recognise us though? I mean it's a little dangerous..." Kenshin could feel the doubt. No doubt she was having some sort of internal battle over what to do. He would have to be honest and give her all the facts before she made a decision.
"It is quite risky and it requires one to act very natural under pressure. For instance if you go about looking over your shoulder then people will automatically suspect you de-gozaru, however after a while you just fade into the crowd. Especially in a place like Aizu not to mention the Ishin Shishi spy network always has somebody tailing me just to make sure I go unnoticed and to warn me if they think anyone is suspicious..." Admitted Kenshin. Kaoru nodded sitting down on the closed toilet lid staring at the glasses and hair dye.
"If, and I'm just saying this as a thought, if I did go out with you I'll get recognised straight away. My hair is already black and no amount of foundation is going to hide this face," Said Kaoru uncertainly. Kenshin smiled slightly feeling amused. If he showed her what Toshiko had, had made for Kaoru then she would probably have a fit. He disappeared back into the kitchen and came back a moment later holding a small black bag in his hand. Kaoru eyed it like a curious child being given a Christmas present. Then Kenshin opened it up and pulled out...
"A wig!" Shrieked Kaoru.
Kenshin laughed holding up the wig. It was styled an old-fashioned shoulder length bob but it was auburn, a couple of shades darker than Kenshin's own hair. He could see Kaoru was not loving the idea of having to shove the thing on. She was looking at it with contempt glaring. She raised her hand to smack Kenshin but he dodged it and instead got a fierce kick in the shins as Kaoru glared, "Stop laughing! It's not funny! A wig? You expect me to go as a red head?"
"Sessha expects you won't like the glasses then?" Asked Kenshin innocently holding up a pair of stylish lenses. Kaoru let out a roar of fury and lunged forward reaching out her hands to strangle him. Kenshin stepped aside swiftly trying to muffle his laughter quite certain that Kaoru was going to kill him. He ran out of the bathroom as she pursued him down the corridor unable to keep up but still enough of a threat to keep him running. Kenshin turned sharply avoiding the Dojo, the last thing he needed was for Kaoru to gain ammunition. He might not make it out alive; she was still behind him yelling out threats.
"Kenshin! You big jerk...when I get a hold of you I'm going to murder you!"
Kenshin collapsed on the sofa in the living room and curled up gasping for air as the tears streamed down his face. He knew he shouldn't laugh so hard at Kaoru's embarrassment but it was just too funny. A moment later Kaoru entered the room and began bashing him repeatedly on the head. Once she'd finished the room was swaying oddly but he managed to sit up as Kaoru sat opposite him visibly fuming. He wouldn't have been surprised if steam was coming out of her ears. Once she'd calmed down due to the influence of chocolate raisins she began to talk sensibly without threatening to disembowel him in every sentence.
"If still not sure though, I mean I'd love to go out but if somebody caught us? Oh...I don't what to do! Should I or shouldn't I? I don't know, I don't know," Mused Kaoru aloud battling it out within herself. She then turned to Kenshin, "I don't know...I'm so unsure...Kenshin what do you think?"
"I'm will support whatever you decide Kaoru-dono," Said Kenshin truthfully feeling quite flattered she was asking for his opinion. After about five minutes of pacing the room mumbling under her breath Kaoru stood still and gazed at Kenshin. She sighed and sagged in relief.
"Fine...hai, I'll go with you!"
"You will?" Asked Kenshin in surprise.
"Hai! Now go phone for the cars before I change my mind!" Barked Kaoru.
"Hai m'am!"
"This thing is so itchy!" Complained Kaoru scratching under her head. The baking heat it was causing her to feel was another reason why she'd come to hate the wig. It had taken half an hour of tedious work on Kenshin's behalf to get it to go on properly and sit straight and firm. Even as she looked in the mirror before she left Kaoru had to admit she no longer resembled Kaoru.
Fake auburn hair brushed her shoulders hanging much shorter than her usual mop of hair. On her face was a pair of phoney glasses along with liberal amounts of eye make-up including thick eyeliner, rogue and brown contact lenses. She was even dressed in a girl's blue and white school uniform making her look like a cross between Sailor moon and the Maths league. On the good side, was the fact that nobody was going to actually point and laugh at Kaoru, they'd probably just point and laugh at Tsuki Hotaru instead, Kaoru's new alias.
Next to her a dark haired boy chuckled slightly. Kaoru couldn't help but feel nervous and agitated and the wig was only adding to her frustrations. Kenshin, though had remained a point of amusement. His now black hair fell down his shoulders and with glasses upon his face Kaoru was sure he would have passed for a girl had it not been the navy blue schoolboy outfit. At least Kaoru wasn't the only one who looked a fool as they walked along the outskirts of Aizu towards the bus stop that would lead them into the main area of the city. Satoshi and Heiki's forced faces hadn't done anything to improve her mood, it was pretty obvious the second they were both out of earshot the pair would crack up laughing.
"You should stop itching Hotaru-dono, people might think you have fleas," Joked Kenshin. Kaoru whacked him on the arm. Before they'd left the house an hour ago Kenshin had sat down with her and had a very serious discussion about how the two she interact once in Aizu. The first rule was that they called each other by their chosen names at all time. The second was that Kaoru should do everything Kenshin said...something which Kaoru had strongly argued until she realised that Kenshin probably did have the most experience. Thus it was at two o'clock on the first of June two teenagers in disguise could be seen walking towards the bus stop.
When she wasn't worrying herself sick Kaoru couldn't help but feel a strange surge inside her. She was outside...she was free...for the first time in nearly two months Kaoru was walking the streets again. Soon she would be able to wander shops, get ice cream, go to the cinema and do all the other sorts of things she could previously have done. Just seeing actual people walk past her was a source of fascination. It was sort of exhilarating being able to escape her own skin and become someone else for a day. She wondered if this was how Kenshin had felt going to school...she also wondered if Megumi was in Aizu but she then realised that even if her sister was then Kaoru could not talk to her.
"Oh! Look there's the bus!" Cried Kaoru starting to run as the number twelve bus pulled in at the bus stop. Kenshin followed and the two of them stood ready to get on. It amazed her that people didn't even spare her a second glance as she took her seat next to the window. She smiled watching as the bus pulled away zooming down the familiar streets. So much had changed since she'd been here nearly six months ago...back then she had not known so much.
"Are you alright Hotaru-dono?" Inquired Kenshin.
Kaoru glanced up at him, behind the glasses his purple eyes seemed concerned. Kaoru nodded and hushed her voice. It was doubtful anyone would hear her, the person in front was listening to their music devise and the old woman across was too busy reading the newspaper to care, "Nothing...it's just so much has changed since we were last here."
"I suppose it has..." Said Kenshin his voice trailing off. The rest of the bus journey was spent in silence as Kaoru gazed out of the window mulling it all over in her mind. If she had been told then what would happen to her she probably would have laughed or gone into shock. Even now she still had to pinch herself sometimes but she had managed to adapt. If nothing else Kaoru was good at adapting or at least she was good at plotting crazy escape routes. A further twenty minutes and the bus pulled into the main square of Aizu. Kaoru jumped out and sighed feeling the breeze play with her hair.
Tall buildings surrounded her in the busy shopping district. The swarms of people moving around her made her head spin slightly. Men and women in suits carrying briefcases dashing into the office buildings, teenagers walking in groups from shop to shop. She could see quite clearly how Kenshin went unnoticed so easily, it was enough to make her dizzy. She'd forgotten how hectic it could be after months of solitude. A smile played on her lips though as she watched them all, free...well not completely but even so at least as Tsuki Hotaru she was quite independent. She turned to look at Kenshin who was watching her with amusement.
"Where would you like to go first Hotaru-dono?"
Kaoru pondered this. The first thing she would have liked to do was to go visit Megumi but that was off limits. After nearly two months how was she going to spend this precious day? She didn't want to waste it...go bowling? To the cinema? Ice-skating? Shopping? She began to sweat anxiously. Now liberation was here how was she going to spend it? Shopping seemed like a pleasant option. Not that she wanted to try any clothes on encase she depressed herself but buying new books, DVD's, hats and makeup...make up she would have to get. 'Then I can cover my baggy eyes so I stop looking like a panda...'
"I would have liked to have gone shopping but I don't exactly have any money," Pointed out Kaoru, feeling hopeful. Kenshin shook his head.
"Money is not an issue Hotaru-dono," Said Kenshin. Kaoru grinned and then pushing through the crowds made her way towards the new department store. Inside was heaving with people, girls examining the new range of lipsticks, boys staring longingly at the tubs of hair gel. The air was heavily scented with stuffy perfumes that caused Kaoru to sneeze as she glanced up and down the girls make up section weaving her way in and out of fellow shoppers. Finally she came to the place where the foundations and concealers where listed according to skin tone ranging from bronze to ivory. Picking up a few tubs Kaoru experimented finding it hard not to jump every time she looked in the mirror. Finally she selected a tub of ivory foundation and then she turned her attention towards eye shadows.
Ten minutes late the pair left the Hotami Beauty Department with a pink sparkly bag full of foundation, two eye shadows, (one purple, one silver) A new eye pencil, a tub of cherry lip-gloss and a small sample of the new jasmine perfume. Kaoru had to admit that it was a revitalising experience even if people thought she was a ginger haired schoolgirl belonging to the Mathematics league. She had to confess that she was curious how Kenshin managed to provide so much money for everything...it wasn't like he got a paycheck at the end of the week.
Walking across the road Kaoru peered behind her curiously. 'He said a spy would be watching us encase anybody noticed...I wonder who it-' She came crashing back to reality in that moment as she collided with another person. Paper rained through the air falling on to the pavement. Kaoru let out a mumbled oof of surprise before it clicked as she watched the young man scramble on the ground frantically after his treasured belongings.
"Gomen nasai! I'm so clumsy! I wasn't watching where I was going!" Apologised Kaoru kneeling next to him. His head was bent over so his face was hidden from view. He wore a pair of black trousers and a slightly worn out white shirt with an indigo ribbon attached to the hem of the sleeves. Picking up a few stray sheets Kaoru gazed curiously at them. They each displayed amazing pieces of artwork. Light sketches of people, a family having a picnic, an elderly couple sitting on a park bench. Kaoru gasped admiring them wholeheartedly.
"Oro? It appears you have a gift for art," Said Kenshin peering over Kaoru's shoulder. Kaoru nodded in agreement.
"These are amazing," She complimented. The man looked up and smiled brightly. The Assistant Master found herself staring into a pair of intense brown eyes. She felt her heart hammer slightly as the man stood up pilling all the paper together before rubbing the back of his dark hair. To hazard a guess Kaoru would say he was about nineteen or twenty.
"It's all right...they're not that good really," He said humbly before extending his hand, "My name is Ryuzaburo Higashiyama. I'm an art student at the university here in Aizu." Kaoru nodded smiling. That would at any rate explain the drawings. 'An art student at Aizu? He must be really talented, Megumi told me you need lots of brains to get into that place.' She accepted his hand.
"I'm Tsuki Hotaru...I'm sort of here on vacation," Lied Kaoru. The Art student seemed a little disappointed at this news but he smiled again.
"Hotaru? Like Tomoe Hotaru from Sailor Moon?" He said brightly. Kaoru felt her jaw drop...twenty year old Art students did not watch anime programmes did they? Especially not ones created for girls...unless he was gay? He didn't seem it, if anything he was sort of cute. At this Kaoru quickly dropped hands with him realising that their shake had lasted a little longer than the usual sort. She nodded enthusiastically.
"You watch Sailor Moon?"
Higashiyama chuckled nervously, "Not of my own free will. My little sister used to force me into watching it with her, so I take it she's your favourite character then?" Kaoru nodded, truthfully that was the entire meaning as to why she'd chosen the name Hotaru. A few years ago when she was fifteen she had went through a big Sailor Moon craze and the solemn Senshi of Silence had always been her favourite.
"Hai, I always sort of admired her...not just because we share the name of course. What about your little sister?" Inquired Kaoru politely.
"Oh, she liked Sailor Mars...she used to pretend to do that Akuriyo Taisan thing and fling bits of paper at me," Grinned the artist. Kaoru nodded but then jerked realising that Kenshin was still present and had went without an introduction. The Hitokiri was still smiling but it didn't quite seem to reach his eyes this time. Kaoru dragged him forward causing him to nearly trip on the pavement.
"This is my friend...uh...Taka Satoshi," Said Kaoru fumbling for a name as her mind switched towards their car drivers. Higashiyama bowed politely.
"A pleasure to meet you Taka-san."
"The feeling is mutual Ryuzaburo-san," Said Kenshin also bowing. Kaoru smiled before moving forwards as the awkward moment lingered.
"Well we'd better get going. It was nice to meet you Higashiyama-san," Said Kaoru waving. The art student smiled.
"It was nice to meet you too Hotaru-san. I hope we meet again some time..."
As they continued down the street Kaoru thoughts lingered back and forwards. Her stomach growled meaning it was probably coming up for four o'clock. They had only been in Aizu for an hour or so and they only had another hour left. Walking through the crowds Kaoru stared up at the buildings that towered over her head. Who knows when would be the next time she would see them again. It would be nice to think that these outings could become a regular thing but she was still jumpy inside encase somebody recognised her. So far nobody seemed to notice them but the wig was itching her something awful and the glasses where digging in. Going undercover was not as fun as the films made it look. Another thing troubling her was the sudden silence between her and Kenshin. It was ten minutes before it was broken when Kenshin turned to look at Kaoru thoughtfully.
"So, Hotaru-dono, Sessha had no idea you were a Sailor Moon fan de-gozaru," Hotaru blushed, she'd never really told him because it would sound sort of childish. A seventeen year old admitting to watching children's anime's was a bit humiliating and Kaoru already knew she was immature to begin with.
"Hai...I used to watch it all the time a few years ago. Tomoe Hotaru, Sailor Saturn was always my favourite character. There was something so mysterious about her and she was so misunderstood by everyone because she was known as the Messiah of Silence, the Sovereign of Death and Destruction who by lowering her Silence Scythe could destroy and kill everyone in the Solar System. In her past life she'd had no choice but to do so to end everyone's suffering and when she was reborn an evil force possessed her. At first even some of the Senshi tried to kill her...the only one who understood her was Chibiusa. Eventually when she transformed and gained her powers she told everyone that although she brought Death when she used her final attack it would claim her own life in the process. She could also heal injuries and bring about rebirth...that's why she was also known as the Senshi of Creation, Rebirth and Sacrifice..." Kaoru gazed away at the blue sky before realising what she'd just said. She laughed nervously feeling herself squirm inwardly, "Gomen nasai. I know that it must seem childish to you...but I don't know I just always admired how she could balance the forces of life and death within herself to become a good person."
"It's not childish, that it is not. I guess her character was created to show that even though people think you are evil at first glance that they can be mistaken," Said Kenshin thoughtfully his eyes glazing over for a few moments before he smiled again, this time a true one," Anyway by the sounds of your stomach Hotaru-dono, this one would say you must be very hungry."
Kaoru slapped him on the arm wishing the ground to open up and swallow her as Kenshin began to laugh. Well what did he honestly expect...she hadn't eaten anything in four hours! Her eyes peeled around her before they spotted a small cafe tucked away in the corner. Kenshin followed her gaze and smiled again.
"Would you like to get some food Hotaru-dono?"
"Hai Taka no baka," Smirked Kaoru. Kenshin's expression fell.
"Ororo, you did that on purpose didn't you?"
"Hai!" Beamed Kaoru as they crossed the road. Inside the small cafe was homely enough. A few comfy armchairs where placed in the corner and a large wide screen television was on the wall displaying the latest sports match. Taking a seat opposite the TV, Kaoru sat down and glanced at the menu feeling her stomach gurgle. A young waitress approached them and Kaoru placed her order.
"King Prawn fried noodles please and a glass of coke," Said Kaoru. The waitress nodded scribbling it down before taking Kenshin's order. As she walked away Kaoru couldn't help but notice the Indigo ribbon wrapped around her arm. Another one...was it a growing trend? For some reason it unnerved Kaoru. She was sure there was something she was supposed to remember about them.
"And the score is two-nil to Kyoto. Now we interrupt this game with a special new broadcast from our reporter Sonji Yuji," Kaoru froze watching the television with mixed feelings. She was beginning to get the sinking feeling that it was going to be something to do with her. All the people in the cafe had stopped their activities dutifully watching the news. It wasn't right...usually people flipped the channel when the news came on. The warmth seemed to drain from the air leaving it with almost fever like anticipation. The palms of her hands were growing sweaty as the scene flipped to the familiar background of Kyoto National Park. The tree's swayed in the background showering the ground with sakura petals...Kaoru squinted and gasped. An indigo ribbon was wrapped around every trunk. Then a male news reporter entered the foreground in a suit...with another ribbon.
"Today's scene at Kyoto National Park symbolise the unity the country is now in. Each ribbon a sign of recognition for the brave life of a brave young girl ended too soon. Kamiya Kaoru aged seventeen has been missing now for forty-eight days and it looks like all hopes of recovering Kamiya-san alive are growing thin..."
A few people sighed sympathetically, a few even shook their heads. Kaoru felt her heart stop beating as another full screen photograph of herself was shown on the television complete with Indigo ribbon tying up her hair. Her stomach began to twist and she was quite sure the pains had nothing to do with female problems. 'Recovering Kamiya-san alive are growing thin?' It sounded so harsh and so cold...like it was written in stone. The noises in the background faded and she had eyes only for the news as the reporter continued.
"The last known footage of Kamiya Kaoru is this that was heard on the fourteenth of May nearly one month ago..."
"Me...gu...mi"
"Kaoru? What's wrong!"
"Me...gu...mi...I-I...was shot..."
The sound of her own voice echoed in her ears. It was terrifying, her voice was shaky and strained and already images where flickering through her mind of that terrible night. She could barely remember making that phone call because all her memories where blinded with pain and agony. Around her people were murmuring, one mother even hugged her son a bit closer. Kaoru couldn't progress it...it just couldn't be real.
"Later that night two bodies where found near the scene. The Hiruma brothers Gohei and Kilhei gave their lives trying to protect Kamiya-san. They were found impaled with katana wounds that had likely caused them to bleed to death. The body count only increased when Police discovered the Sayoni family dead in their homes likely killed by Hitokiri Battousai. Although no body was ever found the Government have stated that it is unlikely Kamiya Kaoru survived. There have even been rumours of a memorial service being arranged..."
She was going to be sick. Not only had they portrayed the Hiruma brothers as some sort of heroes but...the Sayoni's were dead? Kaoru could feel her body shaking...dead. Those kind people who had helped her...dead...and it was all Kaoru's fault! If she hadn't have knocked on their door then they need not have answered! Two innocent people dead...and she...everyone thought she was dead! A memorial service...just like a funeral where they don't have a body! It was too much...she sagged bending down moaning under her breath. Disorientated voices reached her ears...a plate of food was set down in front of her but Kaoru no longer felt hungry...she felt sick!
It was too hot...too many voices. It was as if the room was suddenly spinning out of control with the walls closing in. She could feel the familiar suffocating feeling tingling through her body. She needed out...and escape route. Anything to get out of the hell that was now her life. No wait...that was right...she didn't have a life anymore! A few people stared as Kaoru abruptly stood up and walked calmly from her table towards the door.
As soon as she shut the cafe door she began to run. Her heart was hammering and fear was pounding through her. Sayoni's...dead. All her fault. Hiruma Kilhei. Dead, she'd dishonoured her sword style. Kamiya Kaoru. Dead to the world. With each thought the feelings in Kaoru plunged deeper. She had thought her nightmares where hell and being awake was a relief. She was wrong because she was awake now and it felt just like her nightmares. People protested as she pushed past them but she didn't apologise. Then she noticed it...they were all wearing Indigo ribbons, how could she not have noticed before...all of them closing in on her. She wished she could scream at them how lucky they all were to have normal problems, in that moment she would have traded places with them in an instant.
The crowds, she'd never realised how suffocating they where. Just like waves dragging her backwards towards the mainland when all she wanted to do was swim free. A sharp pain was searing in her side but she didn't care. If she ran then she didn't have to go back. She wished she really was just Tsuki Hotaru ginger haired with glasses belonging to the Maths League. That sort of life looked like paradise, Tsuki could go home every night to her family and sit on the couch watching the sad news report feeling only a few moments of pity before she could flick the channel and watch some numeral programme. Breathing, she couldn't breath properly. People where staring wondering why there was a schoolgirl looking like she was about to have a panic attack.
Diving down a side street Kaoru managed to loose the crowds until she was just running over cobbles stumbling with every step. Keep running, going back would hurt too much. Was this her...Kamiya Kaoru a coward...Kamiya Kaoru a murderer? And what was worse was that she didn't even feel guilty about killing Kilhei. Her sick twisted mind was already conjuring up excuses on her behalf for the Sayoni family's killings. It wasn't really her fault...how was she supposed to know? Internal warfare was coming again and this time it wasn't over Hitokiri Battousai...it was Kaoru herself.
There was no escape. It would never end now...even if she did manage to go home how could things ever be the same? The press for the rest of her life'd haunt her. No home anymore, nothing worth feeling for. Nothing but a great big empty pit of despair. Tears flooded down her face in waves. Her breathing was coming in sharp gasps for air. This was the third time she'd felt like this but this was the first time she'd felt guilt. Knawing away her...it was her fault. Her fault...so then why did she find herself trying to justify it?
When she felt a hand grab her shoulder she didn't turn around. She tried to keep running but somebody had moved in front of her blocking her path. Two hands on her shoulder holding her firmly, but gently on the spot. Huge sobs cleared from her throat and she slapped out trying to hit the figure from her path. Opening her eyes she could see a pair of deep purple eyes staring down at her. Emotions of sorrow and sympathy were mirrored in them, the glasses were no longer on his face, it seemed he too had, had enough of them.
"Let me go!" Protested Kaoru trying to move forward. He wouldn't move and instead she found herself pressing her head against his chest. Warm arms encircled her and at first Kaoru tensed. She didn't feel like being hugged right now...but yet she gave in feeling her resistance grow weak. She didn't know how long it lasted but when they finally parted Kaoru felt a bit more calm and composed...she couldn't break down here. Not here...she felt so angry! How dare Makoto Shishio...he was a sick twisted monster.
"I-I want to go home..." Murmured Kaoru.
Kenshin nodded and Kaoru watched him press a few buttons on his phone sending a message to Satoshi no doubt. Kaoru watched feeling slightly empty but rage was replacing the hollow feeling. Innocent lives...and he saw them all as mere puppets! 'Shishio Makoto...this is all your doing! Well I hope the Ishin Shishi defeats you...I know they will!'
I hope you enjoyed, sorry for the delay but school is taking up six hours and twenty five minutes each day. Anyway I'm not updating until I have 168 reviews. 'Dodges knife blows from Raberba girl' Oh yeah and I'm redoing my cousins fiction for her. It's going to be called Memoirs of a Firefly and it's an Sailor Moon/Kenshin crossover mainly focusing on Hotaru/Saturn so if anyones interested feel free to read and review. I don't own Sailor Moon or Rurouni Kenshin.
Next chapter - It's the aniversary of Kamiya Katsumi's death, Kenshin and Kaoru visit her grave, Flashback of Katsumi's last day and Kenshin discovers who her killer was.
That's all for now,
Bluemoon Out!xx